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Switzerland’s two special skills - 5th February 2021

Swiss watches are known for their quality. But the Swiss are also famous for making machines called automatons. Both traditions have a long history.

Now, UNESCO has recognised both traditions. It has placed them on a list of important cultural skills. The UNESCO collection includes Indian Yoga and the Argentine Tango.

Francois Junod is a Swiss maker of automatons. He creates machines which move. They can also make sounds, like birds.

He is building a Leonardo da Vinci automaton which can write. It has moving eyes that watch his pen.

He is pleased that UNESCO has recognised his profession. These skills are disappearing in a world of computers. But Junod believes people are interested in mechanical art.